Ryan ChartrandTuesday was May Day, a day last year when many illegal immigrants decided not to go to work. Last year, more than one million people demonstrated over the great immigration debate. However, according to The Wall Street Journal and other media sources, this year’s demonstration will be far (or would be, at time of press) smaller than the year before.
Recently, there has been a renewed attempt by the White House to pass immigration reform before the end of the Bush presidency. It’s pretty easy to see that our immigration system is broken and full of contradictions. For instance, the IRS eagerly taxes illegal immigrants, while not cooperating with the department of Homeland Security or law enforcement. In cities like San Francisco, which are “sanctuary cities,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials find themselves at odds with city officials who oppose them.
In the case of San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom stated that he would not help or allow any of his department heads to cooperate with recent immigration raids carried out by law enforcement. This is despite the fact that the raid specifically targeted illegal immigrants who had committed crimes and had warrants out for their arrest. (So, if you want to commit a crime, first declare yourself an illegal immigrant and then move to San Francisco.)
Along with these problems, America’s southern border is not secure and employers are not held accountable enough for hiring illegal immigrants. Many of these immigrants drive cars without auto insurance and use local emergency rooms as their primary health care provider, and these practices cost ordinary America citizens millions of dollars every year. However, America needs workers willing to work many of the low paying and dirty jobs. Likewise, it would be impossible to deport the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in our country.
The Bush administration is pressuring the Senate to have a bill ready to solve all of these problems by May 14, when there is two weeks of open debate set aside in the Senate. However, sources at The Wall Street Journal suggest that, at best, the odds of this happening are 50-50. A comprehensive bill would require that Democrats and Republicans, who sharply disagree about the issue, come together. However, with the 2008 elections around the corner, there are many in congress that would rather see a bill fail than pass. Certain Democrats especially want to see the bill fail because the immigration debate will surely get ugly for Republican presidential candidates.
While the immigration debate may get ugly at times, it seems that most Americans are at least aware of the problem and are pressuring Congress to find a solution. Most Americans agree that a border that allows terrorists, criminals, weapons and illegal drugs to infiltrate into America is not the right kind of border. As for the immigrants already here, it’s important to realize, in the words of President Bush that, “you see every day the values of hard work, and family and faith that immigrants bring.” Americans truly benefit from the work of illegals and many businesses need them to survive. It’s important for America to encourage legal immigration and to continue to be a beacon of hope and freedom to the rest of the world. Historically, each wave of immigrants into America have brought new ideas, have started new companies, and have helped this country become a better place. An immigration bill that documents the workers here, strengthens the border, and promotes guest worker programs is an excellent place to start, but a comprehensive bill will require great compromises.
Brian Eller is a materials engineering junior and Mustang Daily political columnist.